James Van Der Beek Breaks the News of His Cancer Diagnosis to Famous Pals in The Real Full Monty Teaser (Exclusive)

Cancer has touched so many lives, and James Van Der Beek is sharing his personal experience with the disease.

In PEOPLE's exclusive first look at The Real Full Monty, the Varsity Blues star, 47, gets vulnerable and shares how his own personal experience with colorectal cancer inspired him to get involved in the program.

The Real Full Monty sees Van Der Beek join a "daring group of male celebrities" who volunteer to strip down to their socks to raise awareness for prostate, testicular and colorectal cancer testing and research.

In the two-hour special, Van Der Beek, Anthony Anderson, Taye Diggs, Chris Jones, Tyler Posey and Bruno Tonioli train and rehearse for "the most revealing performance of their careers" to encourage men to get checked and strip the stigma around the diseases.

"Leading up to the final disrobing, the men will expand their limits, test their modesty and strengthen their bond with a series of rehearsals and experiences, both private and public, designed to build confidence and remove them far from their comfort zone and forge a brotherhood," the official logline reads. "Along the way, each of the celebrities will share their personal stories of how cancer has impacted their lives."

"I lost a dear friend to cancer, so I wanted to help bring awareness," Anderson says in PEOPLE's exclusive clip before Tonioli adds, "For me, I had to do it because of Len [Goodman]. We lost him last year."

"I'll be honest, I was diagnosed with cancer," Van Der Beek tells the group, which leads Tonioli to break down into tears.

The trailer continues, featuring shots of the men in rehearsals and eventually ripping off their tearaway pants and thrusting to an audience filled with adoring fans.

"If we can do the strip tease in front of a live audience, hopefully, that will inspire people to go get checked," Van Der Beek tells cameras earnestly.

Van Der Beek revealed his colorectal cancer diagnosis for the first time in an exclusive statement to PEOPLE on Nov. 3. Per the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer starts in the colon or the rectum, which makes up the large intestine in the digestive system.

"I have colorectal cancer. I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family,” he said in an exclusive statement. “There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good."

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The Real Full Monty airs Monday, Dec. 9 at 8 p.m. ET on FOX.